'Understanding Hmong Culture' Kicks Off Lecture Series at Argosy

The Hmong of Minnesota will be in the spotlight on Friday. “Understanding Hmong Culture” is the title of a new lecture series offered at Eagan's Argosy University campus.  

A panel of Hmong notables will discuss the 18 Hmong clans in the state and how traditional Hmong community structure has changed stateside. The panelist will also discuss how Hmong culture interacts with Minnesota's social institutions like the medical industry, mental health services and the legal system. The lecture will begin with a registration period at 9 a.m. The event itself begins at 9:30 and continued until 3 p.m. It is free to attend and the general public is welcome.

Here's the day's schedule: 

Registration: 9:00 – 9:30 a.m.

To request accommodations in connection with this event, contact the Student Affairs Department or program organizer in advance at 651-846-2882.

Session I: 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Introduction to Hmong Culture

Presenters: Mai Vang (Gemicam, Inc.) & Chong Pao Lee (Director, Hmong Culture Center)

Overview:This session introduces the 18 Hmong clans and describes how the traditional Hmong community structure has changed in Minnesota. Areas covered: traditional Hmong approaches to medicine, healthcare decision-making, mental health counseling and divorce.

Session II: 11 – 12:30 p.m.

Child Protection & Social Services: The case study of Marla Thao

Presenter: Marla Thao

Facilitator: Mai Vang

Panelists: Dr. Koua Vang (Director, Asian Pacific Islander Learning Resource Center), Robert Blong Lor (President, 18 Council), Dr. Chong Chang (Pastor, Hmong Christian Church)

Overview: This session will introduce the case of a Hmong child who was removed from her family home, and subsequently, was unable to reintegrate into the Hmong community. She turned to prostitution and eventually was convicted of human trafficking. Participants will be asked “How could this have been avoided?”

Lunch: 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. (available for purchase in Campus Commons)

Local Outreach Efforts to the Hmong Community

Presenter:  Pahoua Yang (Clinical Manager at Amherst H. Wilder Foundation)

Session III:  1:30 – 3 p.m.

Healthcare & The Hmong Coummunity: The case study of True Vang

Presenter: True Vang

Facilitator: Mai Vang

Panelists: Dr. Pang Foua Yang Rhodes (Argosy University Asst. Professor), Dr. Churekai Malle (Owner, Metro Acupuncture), Nao Thao (Hmong Shaman)

Overview: This session will introduce the case of a young Hmong wife & mother who was brought to a local hospital unconscious following an automobile accident. The family requested a shaman to attend to her. Their request was denied; creating a clash of traditional Hmong culture and Western healthcare practices. Participants will be asked “What trust-building methods could have been used to avoid this situation?”